The owl, symbol of goddess Athena, as it was depicted on an ancient Greek tetradrachm (5th century b.C.). Athena was patron of the crafts, wisdom and battle. She became the patron goddess of the city of Athens, in a competition with Poseidon. They agreed that each would give the Athenians one gift and the Athenians would choose whichever gift they preferred.

Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and a spring sprung up; the water was salty and not very useful, whereas Athena offered them an olive tree. The Athenians accepted the olive tree and along with it Athena as their patron, for the olive tree brought wood, oil and food